The visit comes as part of the ongoing efforts by the federal government to interact with stakeholders in the Niger Delta region and find lasting solutions to crisis in the oil rich sub-region.
Browsing: Niger Delta Peace Tour
He said, “Over 50% of non-oil revenues is determined by oil revenues. But for the people of historic Oloibiri and the many oil-producing communities in this state and the Delta region of Nigeria, the blessing of oil paradoxically became a curse or at best a burden. Their means of livelihood, fishing and farming has consistently been destroyed by pollution.”
“Before now, there were a lot of doubts whether the Federal Government actually had the political will resolve the issues or whether they were only talking for the sake of talking. It has become abundantly clear that the Federal Government is committed to the resolution to the conflict and stability and development of the Niger Delta region.”
During the trip, the vice president had met with traditional rulers and key stakeholders, where he made a plea for peace, even as he assured communities in the region of plans by government to treat the zone as a “special development zone.”
“Firstly, we must recognise the unique environment and terrain challenges of the Niger Delta. We must also recognise that the Niger Delta is a special place and special economic zone, then we must treat it as a special development zone.”
The Vice President’s Officer explained that the visits are in “further demonstration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s readiness and determination to comprehensively address the Niger Delta situation”
